Big Changes Packed Into A Tiny Time Frame.

We are wrapping November on a very warm note. Pre-dawn temperatures across the Tennessee Valley are ranging between 61 and 66 degrees. Our average high this time of year is only 56, and today we should top out in the low 70s. But a very sharp cold front is crawling into Arkansas right now. In northwest Arkansas, Highfill is reporting mixed precipitation and 32 degrees with a windchill of 22. At the same time in west central Arkansas Mount Ida is a balmy 68. But this front is not a fast mover. So today we'll stay warm and showery with the front west of us through late tonight. At midnight we'll be up around 60, so that will be the official high for Friday. Daylight temperatures will stay in the 40s with strong west-northwest winds. It's possible that residents of the Cumberland Plateau will see a rain / snow mix....or a brief change over to wet snowflakes around daybreak tomorrow. But no accumulation is expected.

Today: Cloudy and warm with scattered light showers. South wind 10 to 15 mph and gusty. High: 71

Tonight: Storms Move In, some could be strong to severe. SW winds 15 to 25 mph and gusty. Low: 50

Friday: AM Showers and storms, turning windy and colder. WNW winds 15 to 25 mph and gusty. Daytime temps holding in the 40s.

Saturday: Cold morning with lows in the upper 20s. Mostly sunny afternoon. High: 54

Sunday: Partly cloudy & cool. High: 52

Monday: Mostly sunny, chilly. High: 43

Warm & Showery With Looming Storm Threat

Showery weather at times today, tonight, and Thursday before the front arrives Thursday night. Then we should see a line of storms that could pack some gusty winds. So we'll be watching for strong to severe storms as we head toward early Friday morning. After that some cooler numbers for the weekend, but not exactly cold. Monday and Tuesday will be chillier with highs only in the upper 40s.

Today: Mostly cloudy with spotty light showers. South wind 5 to 10 mph. High: 70

Tonight: Mostly cloudy with scattered light showers. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Low: 57

Thursday: Cloudy with scattered showers. South wind 10 to 15 mph and gusty. High: 68

Thursday night: Rain and storms, some storms possibly severe. Low: 50

Friday: Rain and storms early, some storms possibly severe. Then windy and cooler. High: 54

Saturday: Mostly sunny. High: 56

Sunday: Partly cloudy. High: 51

Temperature Range Narrows, Rain Follows.

It's nice and mild this morning with most locations between 49 and 54 degrees. Daytime highs will still end up with highs in the mid to upper 60s this afternoon, so you can see the impact clouds have on the range of temperatures. This past weekend with clear skies we were much colder at night, and a bit warmer in the afternoon hours.
I don't think we see much measurable rain today through early Thursday, but patchy light showers could pop up at just about any time. Then the next front pushes through the region late Thursday through early Friday with some rain and thunderstorms. Average rainfall amounts will probably end up between 1/2" to 1" by the time it wraps up late Friday. Dry weather moves in just in time for the weekend, but it will be cooler with highs in the low 50s.

Today: Mostly cloudy with a 20% chance for a light shower. South wind at 5 mph. High: 66

Tonight: Mostly cloudy with a 20% chance for a light shower. Low: 53

Wednesday: Mostly cloudy with a 20% chance for a light shower. South wind 5-10 mph. High: 70

Thursday: Mostly cloudy with a 50% chance for rain and storms, especially late. High: 70

Friday: Rain and storms likely. High: 57

Saturday: Mostly sunny, but cooler. High: 54

Apparently while we have been loving the weather lately, the conditions have been less than ideal for flying ultra lights. South winds have been strong enough to keep the crew and whooping cranes grounded in Cumberland County, TN for the last several days. Keep up with them at: http://www.operationmigration.org

Tired Monday After A Fantastic Holiday Weekend.

If Friday was "Black Friday", then this must be "Tired Monday". Especially with the great weather we had. I imagine there are a lot of folks dragging just a little bit after enjoying the holiday, and squeezing in some outdoor fun or yard work. A huge crowd gathered at the riverfront for The Grand Illumination on Friday evening, and downtown was still pretty busy on Saturday.
We still have warm temperatures hanging with us through Thursday, then some chillier air moves in. Right now it doesn't look like a drastic drop in daytime highs, but afternoon numbers should slide down into the lower 50s Friday and Saturday.

Today: Mostly sunny and warm. South wind 5 mph. High: 70

Tonight: Fair skies, cool. Low: 43

Tuesday: Partly cloudy and warm. South 5 to 10 mph. High: 68

Wednesday: Clouds increase, 30% chance for a shower. High: 67

Thursday: Cloudy with a 70% chance for showers. High: 69

Friday: 40% chance for showers early, clouds decrease. Cooler. High: 54

Soak Up The Warmth, Cold Surge Ahead.

Many thanks to this morning's contributions to "Photo Friday" on Channel 3 Eyewitness News Today.
Thanks to Kelly Williams for the beautiful sunset shot on top. This was taken just before kickoff at a SE Whitfield High School football game.
The second and third photos are of Cloudland Canyon showing the different moods of that beautiful place. And these shots are a reminder that great pictures can be taken in every kind of weather. Hats off to Ron Adcox for sending the first Cloudland picture in. And thanks to Jon Pierce for the great foggy picture.
And finally thanks to Adelaide Bratcher for this nice picture from another natural treasure in our area. Adelaide took this one at Lula Lake. She says everyone should check it out the first and last Saturday of every month. For more information here's their website: http://www.lulalake.org
According to the Operation Migration website the ultra-light led whooping cranes will be coming from Cumberland County into the Hiawassee Refuge in Meigs County today. For more information: http://www.operationmigration.org
Our weather looks great right into the first part of next week. But by Thursday and Friday some wet weather arrives along with some colder air. So next Friday it's possible that the mountains around here could see some more snow. And I think highs here will only be in the 40s next weekend. So bask in this weather this weekend while we can. It may come to a fairly abrupt end late next week.

Today: Sunny & Warm. Ligh Wind. High: 71

Grand Illumination: 7 PM: 58 9 PM: 54

Overnight: Clear and Chilly. Low: 37

Saturday: Sunny & Warm. South 5 - 10. High: 71

Sunday: Sunny & Warm. High: 70

Monday: Mostly Sunny. High: 70

Tuesday: Mostly Sunny. High: 68

Weather To Be Thankful For.

Today I'd like to say I'm thankful for family and friends, some of whom may not realize how important they have been in my life. I'm also thankful for holiday memories from years past.
The weather looks perfect for the next several days across the Tennessee Valley. And we're all thankful for that. In fact tomorrow evening's Grand Illumination may be one of the nicest ones weather-wise we've had in years. So enjoy!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today: Sunny & Pleasant. North wind 5 -10. High: 67

Tonight: Clear & Chilly. Low: 34

Friday: Sunny & Warm. High: 71

Grand Illumination Friday Evening At Ross's Landing: Clear and cool. 7 PM: 58 9 PM: 54

Overnight: Clear and Chilly. Low: 38

Saturday: Sunny. High: 70

Sunday: Sunny. High: 71

Monday: Mostly Sunny. High: 69

A Great Travel Day Except For The Ouch.

When I passed the gas station yesterday in North Georgia, I knew I should have filled up at $2.02. But I was tight on time on my way to speak to the students at Battlefield Primary School. So I decided to fill up on the way home. Prices had edged up some by the time I finished at the school, and the gas stations were busy. So I decided to wait until this morning. And guess what? $2.18 at 3:00 am! What a shock.....gas prices jumping just before the holiday. Let's wait and see how far the prices fall on Monday.
Other than that, traveling looks great for most of the country. The coastal howler will continue to crawl northward from the Carolinas toward the northeast. That spells trouble for the Macy's Parade in New York City. Wind and rain will buffet the area at parade time unfortunately.
And this will be pleasant weather for some feathered friends traveling through the area the next few days. Ultra-light led whooping cranes should leave Kentucky today bound for Cumberland County, TN, and may be in Meigs County at the Hiawassee Wildlife Refuge Thanksgiving Day. What a nice way to spend a pleasant day outdoors. Check out the Operation Migration website at this link: http://www.operationmigration.org

Today: Mostly sunny and a bit breezy. North wind 10 to 15 mph and gusty. High: 56

Tonight: Fair and cold. North 5-10 Low: 33

Thanksgiving Day: Sunny and pleasant. North wind 5 to 10 mph. High: 64

Friday morning shopping: Clear and cold. Low: 34

Friday afternoon: Sunny and warmer. High: 70

Grand Illumination Downtown Chattanooga Friday Evening:
Clear and Cool. 7pm: 57 9pm: 53

Saturday: Mostly sunny. High: 70

Sunday: Mostly sunny. High: 68

Thankful For This Forecast As Big Turkey Stays East

Several people I have talked to recently have commented on the beauty of this Fall and how long the color lasted. I wish it would have hung on for this upcoming weekend so everyone with family visiting could have seen the display. This picture was taken on the 30th.
A big coastal storm will pound the Carolinas with rain the next few days and the forecast rainfall amounts are extreme. Anywhere from 5 to 8 inches will be measured from the Delmarva down to the Georgia / South Carolina border. And there may be amounts more than 10" along the coast in southeast North Carolina. Fortunately that all stays east of here.

Today: Sunny, but cool and breezy. North wind 10 to 20 mph and gusty. High: 52

Tonight: Clear and cold. North 5 - 10. High: 31

Wednesday: Partly cloudy, pleasant. North 5 - 10. High: 58

Thanksgiving Day: Mostly sunny. High: 64

Friday: Early morning shopping will be chilly in the upper 30s. But Friday afternoon will be mostly sunny and pleasant. High: 68

Saturday: Partly cloudy, mild. High: 69

Time For Fun Guys!

Thanks to Crystal Sanders for sending in this picture of Austin and Cole Sanders having a ball in the early snow. As we all know snow days are rare things. So getting to enjoy one before Thansgiving is really a treat. And something to be extra thankful for.

Where's Snowbird?

Thanks to April Kennemur of Gruetli-Laager for sending these shots of the snow there. April says 1/2" to 1" and she would like to see some more. April also says, "Let It Snow!" Have fun and thanks again for sending these shots.

More Grundy County Snow Pictures!

Many thanks to Natalie Reeves of Grundy county for these pre-Thanksgiving snow pictures taken this morning. Nice shots and thanks for being so quick to send them. Natalie says "Let It Snow!!!"

Still Snowing In Grundy County

Another shot from Shamane Barkes of Coalmont. As of 8:26 am it's still snowing up there. Thanks Sharmane for the neat pictures and the rapid updates!

Early Morning Snow Causes 1st School Closing Of The Year

Thanks this morning to Shamane Barkes of Coalmont, TN for sending this picture of the light accumulation of snow they woke up to. As a result, Grundy County schools were closed for today, and Cumberland County schools delayed opening until 9 am this morning. And George Smith of Tracy City e-mailed to say they had some light accumulation with a temperature right at 32. I woke up to a pretty nice snow shower at Casa Benson atop Signal Mountain. In fact driving down the mountain I could faintly see the tracks of those who had just driven up. (Even at that hour the road is fairly busy these days. I can remember when that wasn't the case. When I first began this shift I had the road to myself in the wee hours of the morning. Just me and the occasional night critter.)
By the way the other picture is one I took around the 30th. I took a chilly stroll with Dudley yesterday morning. It was a chilly 34 degrees with a fairly stiff west wind. I was bundled up in my winter coat, gloves and Chicken, Alaska stocking hat. And as I was enjoying the brisk morning, I noticed that all but the Bradford Pear trees and some oaks had lost their leaves. You can really see down through the woods again.
Still some snowflakes early this morning across the Cumberland Plateau, but drier air will shut the moisture off. Eventually we'll see a nice warming trend this week. But it will have to wait until Wednesday to begin.

Today: Early morning showers dry up. Becoming partly cloudy, cold and breezy. North wind 10 to 20 mph and gusty. High: 45

Tonight: Clear and cold. Light North wind. Low: 29

Tuesday: Mostly sunny and cool. North 5-10. High: 53

Wednesday: Partly cloudy and a bit warmer. High: 60

Thanksgiving Day: Partly cloudy, pleasant. High: 63

Friday: Mostly sunny and warm. High: 68

Bouncing Temperatures The Next Few Days

The two day rainfall total at Casa Benson was just shy of 4 inches. So I'm very glad we're going to stay dry for the next several days.....for the most part. It looks like we see sunshine returning today, and warmer temperatures on Saturday. But Saturday night another front drops through the area pushing highs back into the low to mid 50s on Sunday. A secondary surge of cold air hits Sunday night and that's when some light precipitation breaks out. Sprinkles or light showers for valleys overnight Sunday night into early Monday morning. But the air above is cold enough that mountains north of the city could see a few flurries. After a blustery, cold day Monday temps should warm nicely by Thanksgiving.

Today: Becoming partly cloudy and pleasant. NW wind 5. High: 54

Football Tonight: Partly cloudy, chilly. Kickoff Temp: 46 10PM: 40

Overnight: Fair and Cold. Low: 33

Saturday: Mostly Sunny, Mild. High: 61

Sunday: Partly cloudy, cool. High: 53

Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy with a few sprinkles or mountain flurries. Low: 35

Monday: AM light shower, clouds decrease. High: 45

Tuesday: Partly Cloudy. High: 54

Thanksgiving: Mostly sunny, warmer. High: 64

Have a great weekend!

Cool And Showery Today, Dry And Cool Ahead

We got a good soaking yesterday. At Chattanooga's Lovell Field we received 1.93" which was a 24 hour rainfall record for the date. Most locations picked up 2" to 3" across the rest of the Tennessee Valley.
This morning the system that generated the hefty rainfall is still spinning over Middle Tennessee. A few light showers are scooting across the region this morning with steadier light rain from Southern Illinois down through West Tennessee near Memphis. That band of rain should move east with the upper low, so we may see a period of light rain this afternoon. Drizzle will continue into early tonight, but that should dry out by morning. The rest of the weekend looks pretty nice. Too bad the wind and rain lately has pretty much ended what's been a spectacular color season. We'll continue to enjoy it with pictures though. Keep sending them to: tbenson@wrcbtv.com. Another batch will be shown for "Photo Friday" tomorrow morning.

Today: Showery periods, cool and breezy. SW winds 15 to 20 mph and gusty. Officially the midnight temperature was 62, so that will be recorded as the high for the day. But temps will hold steady in the upper 40s to low 50s during the daylight hours.

Tonight: Drizzle early, then mostly cloudy and chilly overnight. Northwest wind at 5. Low: 40

Friday: Sunshine returns, pleasant. NW wind 5 to 10. High: 56

Saturday: Mostly sunny. High: 60

Sunday: Partly cloudy. High: 54

Monday: Partly cloudy. High: 45

Storms And Some Flooding Possible Today

A powerhouse low in Eastern Oklahoma early this morning is heading our way today through tonight. And this system will really pelt the area with rainfall, and possibly severe storms. Right now I think average rainfall amounts will end up between 2" and 4" with some Storm Alert Skywatchers possibly seeing a bit more than that. So some localized flooding will be possible this afternoon into tonight. Right now we are relatively cool and stable which should help reduce the overall severe weather threat. But there is still potential for thunderstorms capable of producing wind damage and hail this afternoon and early tonight. The highest risk for a tornado will be south of the Channel 3 viewing area, but Paul will be watching the VIPIR very closely for the potential that an isolated tornado or two pops up. This system has a punch.
Today: Rain and storms. A few severe storms possible. Rain will be heavy at times. South wind 15 to 25 mph and gusty. High: 58

Tonight: Heavy Rain Early, tapering off to showers late. SW winds 15 to 25 mph and gusty. Low: 47

Thursday: Occasional Showers. Windy and Chilly. WNW winds 15 to 25 mph and gusty. High: 48

Friday: Partly cloudy and cool. High: 56

Saturday: Mostly sunny. High: 59

Sunday: Partly cloudy, cool. High: 54

Another Nice Day, Then Stormy, Then A Bit Blustery

Thanks this morning to my friend Kent Whitaker for sending in these beautiful pictures. Kent and his wife Ally spent some time around Mentone and Cloudland Canyon taking a hike and taking pictures. It doesn't get any better than these shots. By the way you probably either know Kent or know of him. Kent has been helping Channel 3 with our "Backyard BBQ Giveaway" the last couple of years. Kent is known as "The Deck Chef" and has written several very cool grilling books. Check him out at: http://www.thedeckchef.com. There are some great recipes on his site.
Onto the meaty issues of weather.
A storm system developing in the Plains States today will spread rain and thunderstorms into the area tonight through Thursday. But most of the rain and storms should move through tomorrow afternoon and evening. Some storms could be strong to severe then. And locally heavy amounts of rain are likely. In fact average amounts 1.5" to 2.5" will be collected in rain gauges across much of the area. With amounts of 2.5" to 3" east and southeast of I-75. Behind this system winds shift around to the northwest pulling in some chilly air. So Thursday looks kind of messy with cloudy, chilly, windy conditions and an occasional light shower passing through. In a word, "Yuck". The weekend looks pretty good though.....dry but cool.

Today: Partly cloudy & pleasant. NW wind 5 mph. High: 61

Tonight: Clouds thicken, some showers late. Low: 48

Wednesday: Rain and storms likely. Some storms could be strong to possibly severe. SW wind 10-20 mph and gusty. High: 59

Wednesday night: Rainy periods. Low: 46

Thursday: Cloudy, windy and colder with occasional showers. High: 49

Friday: Partly cloudy. High: 58

Saturday: Mostly sunny. High: 58

Temps Bounce Around, Midweek Storms Ahead

Thanks to Barbara Gibson of Cohutta, Georgia for sending this beautiful Fall scene to Channel 3. While the leaves are dropping fast, this past weekend I could still see quite a bit of yellow and red coloring the mountains. It's of course becoming more patchy, but around sunrise and sunset the colors really pop. I have one sweet gum tree out front that has some leaves still left on the branches. In back there is a sweet gum, a couple of hickories, and one multi-trunked oak hanging onto some leaves. If it weren't for those 5 trees I would be done with leaf-a-palooza 2006. That might be the earliest I have ever finished with the Fall yardwork. Most years I'm wrapping up on the day before Thanksgiving. I'll try to clean up what falls today and tomorrow by tomorrow afternoon. The reason is another system will bring 1" to 2" of rain to the area mainly Wednesday, but showery and cool weather will persist into Thursday. So if you want to avoid leaf glop, get out and get busy today and tomorrow.

Today: Mostly sunny and pleasant. Light north wind. High: 65

Tonight: Fair skies, chilly. Low: 35

Tuesday: Partly Cloudy, mild. SW wind 5-10. High: 64

Wednesday: Rain and storms likely. Some storms could be strong. High: 59

Thursday: Showery and cool. High: 50

Friday: Partly cloudy. High: 58

Great Pictures! Keep Them Coming.

Thanks this morning to Dawn Kropf for sending in the top picture of Signal Mountain taken from Red Bank on Morrison Springs road. That carpet of color has been like this for a couple of weeks, and hopefully will still be around for a few more days. Thanks to Dawn we'll be able to enjoy it here for a lot longer.
Hats off to Angel Fejeran for the great shot of the Autumn show in the Highway 58 area near the Wolftever Bridge. That's a stunning shot.
And from Beth Myers another beauty. Picture number three is the fall color reflecting off a lake near Monteagle. Thanks for sharing that one Beth.
And finally one of those great, "Right time, right place" shots. A rainbow and fall color taken by Linda Griffith of Summerville, GA. Thanks Linda for letting us all see that picture. I hope you have a framed copy of it in your home.
Unfortunately this year's show is winding down. So snap some pictures this weekend and send them to tbenson@wrcbtv.com and I'll show them on Channel 3 Eyewitness News Today and post them here.
The forecast ideas for the weekend haven't changed much. Within a few degrees of record warmth today. Some showers and cooler tomorrow. Sunny and cool on Sunday.

Today: Mostly sunny with near record highs. SW wind 5-10. High: 77

Football Tonight: Partly cloudy, pleasant. Kickoff temp: 67 10pm: 61

Overnight: Clouds thicken, a few showers by daybreak. Low: 54

Saturday: Scattered showers early, then turning windy and cooler. West to NW winds 15 to 20 mph and gusty. High: 60

Sunday: Sunny. High: 61

Monday: Mostly sunny. High: 68

Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, 50% for showers. High: 62

Warm Spell No Match For Last Year's Heat

These are the days when anyone who works outside has to be thankful for the type of job they do. I don't know if this weather makes up for the rainy, cold, or hot days they have to muddle through, but I'm sure today and tomorrow will make the 8 to 5 a little easier for many.
This warm spell today and tomorrow will be appreciated, but it's small potatoes compared to the heat we felt one year ago. Consider these numbers:

• November 6th, 2005 record high: 80
• November 7th, 2005 record high: 80
• November 8th, 2005 record high: 84
• November 9th, 2005 record high: 81
• November 10th, 2005: 73 The record is 80 set in 2002

Our next front will bring us back to reality this weekend with highs closer to the average for this time of year. A few showers should accompany the front during the early part of Saturday, but most locations will only see 1/4" of rain or less.

Today: Sunny and pleasant. SW wind 5-10. High: 74

Tonight: Fair sky, cool. Calm wind. Low: 48

Friday: Mostly sunny with a near record high. South wind 5-10. High: 78 Again, the record for the date is 80 set in 2002.

Friday night: Clouds increase with some showers near daybreak. Low: 55

Saturday: Scattered light showers early, decreasing clouds and cooler later. High: 61

Sunday: Mostly sunny. High: 65

Monday: Mostly cloudy with a 30% chance for showers. High: 63

A Touch Of Spring On The Way, 1 Record Challenged

We continue to get some great pictures in here at Channel 3, and I'll get as many of them on our "Photo Friday" segment on Eyewitness News Today and posted on the blog in the days to come. (For those who have already sent them I will e-mail back and let you know when they'll be shown.) So keep watching and logging in to see them. And if you have taken some please send them to tbenson@wrcbtv.com . It's a great way to stretch out the color season. I only wish I had taken more pictures. This one was taken on Signal Mountain about a week ago on an extended stroll with Dudley.
A big upswing in temperatures after today. In fact I think we come within a couple of degrees of tying a record on Friday. We probably won't get that warm, but within 3 degrees this time of year is horseshoes and hand grenades....close enough to say, "Wow! That's Warm."

Today: Morning light showers, clouds slowly decrease. NW 5-10 High: 61

Tonight: Becoming clear with patchy fog late. Calm Wind. Low: 45

Thursday: Mostly Sunny, warmer. SW 5-10 High: 74

Friday: Mostly Sunny, warm. (In fact close to a record high, the record is 80 in 2002.) High: 77

Saturday: Some scattered showers early. High: 63

Sunday: Mostly sunny and pleasant. High: 62

Showery Weather Today, Warmer Temps Ahead

Low pressure swirling over West Tennessee this morning will create rainy periods today, and a few scattered showers tonight. Tomorrow morning we'll still have to deal with a light shower or a few sprinkles before the clouds decrease during the afternoon. A warm spell will have many of you thinking Spring is coming rather than Winter by week's end.
I made another trip to the rooftop to clean the gutters yesterday. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised by the amount of leaves that have piled up since the last trip up there. But I was relieved that by being a bit aggressive with clearing the leaves out, it's an easier job each trip. They don't turn into leaf glop, and they tend to blow right out. (A note to myself for next season.)

Today: Rainy Periods, cool. South 5-10 High: 59

Tonight: Scattered Showers, cool. Light NW Low: 51

Wednesday: AM Shower, then slowly decreasing clouds. NW 5-10 High: 62

Thursday: Sunny, pleasant. High: 72

Friday: Mostly Sunny, warm. High: 76

Saturday: Clouds increase, 30% chance for showers. High: 70

We would vote for more weather like this past weekend.

Wow whatta weekend! Friday's bright blue sky really complimented our peak Fall Foliage, and the weather only got better Saturday and Sunday. I hope everyone got a chance to enjoy some of it outdoors. I spent all day Saturday cleaning up the fallen leaves in the yard. All around the high pitched whine of electric leaf blowers and the lower sound of gas blowers and mowers let me know many others were busy as well. In the front now all but a few trees are bare, but in back I'd say 50% of the leaves are still up there. So I think this year I'm in pretty good shape. I'll climb up on the roof again today to get the leaves out one more time....and hopefully that will only happen once again this season. I'd let it go, but this next system promises to wet the area down with 1" to 2" of rain from tonight through early Wednesday morning.

Today: Mostly cloudy with a 20% chance for a shower late. SE 5-10 High: 60

Tonight: Rainy periods, cool. South 5 Low: 49

Tuesday: Rainy with a few storms. South 5-10 High: 59

Tuesday Night: Rain tapers off Low: 53

Wednesday: AM shower possible, clouds decrease. High: 68

Thursday: Mostly sunny, mild. High: 70

Friday: Mostly sunny, mild. High: 71

This Kind Of Timing Is Rare So Enjoy!

This kind of timing doesn't happen very often. Crystal clear weather occurring at the peak color of Fall Foliage, and best of all it's the weekend! How many times will that happen? If you're lucky quite a few times. Realistically, only a couple of times in your life. So break out the cameras and enjoy it all! Just like Barbara Gibson and Cameille Vliestra have done.
The top picture is Cameille's and she had this to say; "I took this picture in the parking lot at Northside Presbyterian Church on Mississippi (next to Normal Park Museum Magnet School) while dropping my son, Conner, off for school. It just looked so vibrant mixed in with all the green trees. I took it with the camera on my phone so it might be a bit fuzzy, but I thought you might enjoy!"
Thanks Cameille! It is a great picture. That tree looks like it's on fire. And I'll tell you what, those camera phones are capturing more and more great images. And we love to get them and show them off on Channel 3 Eyewitness News, so keep them coming.
Barbara's picture is beautiful as well. It's that kind of cobalt blue sky in her shot that you'll be able to capture this weekend.

Today: Sunny and cool. North 5 - 10 High: 57

Football Tonight: Clear and cold. Kickoff Temp: 45 10pm: 37

Overnight: Clear, cold and frosty. Low: 29

Saturday: Sunny and Pleasant. High: 60 Low: 35

Sunday: Mostly sunny, nice. High: 62 Low: 39

Monday: Partly cloudy, mild. High: 63 Low: 47

Tuesday: Clouds Increase. Some scattered showers. High: 63

Please send your pictures to: tbenson@wrcbtv.com .

Frosty Mornings Ahead, Peak Color Right Now.

There was something very appealing to me when I looked down at this single leaf on the driveway. The color contrast and the texture makes for a pretty neat shot. I have had a lot of fun the last week or so taking pictures. The color this year seemed slow to develop, but the final show has been worth the wait. However now many of the trees are shedding their showy decorations quickly. Yesterday I noticed many of the trees out front of my house are bare or nearly bare. There will still be plenty to view this weekend, but probably not much after that. And today's wind will only increase the rate of leaf-fall. "Expect at least 1/2 to 1" of leafy accumulation by Saturday morning."

Today: M. Sunny, Cool & Breezy. North winds 15 to 20 mph and gusty. High: 59
Tonight: Clear skies & frosty. Light North. Low: 32

Friday: Sunny, but still cool. High: 57

Saturday: Sunny. High: 61

Sunday: Mostly Sunny. High: 60

Monday: Partly cloudy, 20% chance for a light shower. High: 62

Mulch-Fest '06 A Three Week Extravaganza - Ugh!

I'm pretty proud of myself. For the first Autumn in years I remembered to mow over the leaves first before attaching the bagger. (O.K., it doesn't take much with me.) Every year this battle to keep the yard picked up begins in late October and almost always finishes on the day before Thanksgiving. I'm not a neat-nick when it comes to the lawn, it's just that soggy leaves are really a mess to clean up. And I have had years when wet weather kept me from getting them up, and then it snowed on them. That's really a mess in the Spring. So it's man versus nature for the next three weeks. So far I'm ahead.....but for how long? By the way I was humming "Up On The Rooftop" on my way up the ladder yesterday. Round three of gutter cleaning. By the looks of the maples, one or two more trips topside should take care of it for the year.
Some more scattered showers and a few rumbles of thunder today and tonight, then more blue skies this weekend. It will be chilly, but it should be a nice weekend to enjoy the fall foliage....ahem....unless you're enjoying chewing it to pieces and hauling it off the yard.

Today: Some morning sunshine, then scattered showers and a few storms. SW wind 5-10. High: 70

Tonight: Showers Early. Mostly cloudy & Cool. NW 10-15. Low: 46

Thursday: Becoming mostly sunny, cool and breezy. North 15 to 20 mph and gusty. High: 59

Thursday night: Clear and cold. Low: 32

Friday: Sunny but cool. High: 58

Saturday: Sunny and cool. High: 59

Sunday: Partly cloudy, pleasant. High: 61